Restoration work on Blairgowrie Catholic church complete

Major restoration work at an east Perthshire church is now complete.

The eight-month programme of repairs and renovations at St Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church in Blairgowrie has preserved an important piece of heritage, according to the priest Father Gregory Umunna.

The project involved major structural repairs, as well as upgrades to the fittings.

New ceiling insulation has been installed and the internal lighting has been improved.

The main roof has been stabilised and the interior plastered, before re-slating on the eastern part of the south facing roof.

Inspection work also took place to determine the extent of dry and wet rot, timber degradation and plaster cracking.

The works were made possible by Heritage Lottery Funding of £250,000 and grants from a range of other bodies, in addition to fundraising by the parish itself.

Schoolchildren from St Stephen’s Primary School in Blairgowrie raised £681 from two performances of Jonah – A Fishy Tale.

Every child in the school took part in the musical play.

The restoration has been described as “beautiful” by Father Umunna.

“These works have ensured the church building’s future as a place of worship for the local Catholic community,” he said.

“The renovations will help preserve an important piece of local heritage.

“For the Catholic congregation, their daily worship will take place in a building warm, appropriately lit and structurally sound, fit for the 21st Century community and beyond.”